Dr. Adam Sandford has been appointed Assistant Program Head of the University of Guelph-Humber’s Psychology program. Dr. Sandford, who has been teaching and supervising thesis students at UofGH since 2015, began his appointment on July 11th, 2016.
“Dr. Sandford’s strength in teaching and research, as well as his investment in fostering an academic atmosphere within our Psychology, program make him very well-suited to this position,” says Dr. David Danto, Program Head of Psychology. “He brings a particular skill set with regard to his research methodology in the area of cognitive psychology, which along with his teaching experience and qualifications, will serve our students in his role as thesis course instructor.”
Born and raised in the United Kingdom, Dr. Sandford completed a BSc (Hon.) in psychology at the University of Kent, Bachelor of Education degree at York University, a Postgraduate Diploma in Research Methods (Psychology), and PhD in psychology at the University of Aberdeen. His PhD research focused on the cognitive processes involved in face recognition, work that led to collaboration with cognitive and forensic researchers in Australia, Qatar, the UK, and others across the world. Dr. Sandford has previously taught at the University of Aberdeen and a variety of post-secondary institutions in the Greater Toronto Area.
Like the UofGH curriculum, Dr. Sandford’s research has both theoretical and practical elements. It builds on the theoretical understanding of human face recognition and in the near future may contribute to face recognition technologies used by governments, marketers and law enforcement agencies. A better understanding of human face recognition can help improve accuracy in identifying potential suspects in law enforcement applications, develop a better understanding of the limitations of using photo-ID, and improve our understanding of the underlying processes involved in face learning, which is the process of developing familiarity with another person’s face.
“I’m excited to take on this role,” says Dr. Sandford. “The University of Guelph-Humber has an excellent psychology program, one that is dedicated to developing well-rounded graduates. Its mix of research options, study abroad courses and practical field placements help prepare students to make the most of the many life and career opportunities that psychology can lead to.”
Learn more about Psychology at the University of Guelph-Humber